When the NFL is in the offseason, sports bettors can now look forward to the XFL. However, there are big question marks over how the league will be received.
As sports bettors, we can be somewhat agnostic of the non-game specific trappings and hype that surrounds the launch of a new sports league.
With the XFL we are looking at a relaunch. The league was tried before and ultimately ended in disaster. It just didn’t get any traction. When combined with the recently failed Alliance of American Football the skepticism is understandable.
However, we are not going to look if the league will be successful from a business standpoint. We are concerned with how it will succeed from a betting standpoint.
XFL Teams – Betting Overview
With the league kicking off February 8th, the first XFL season will be difficult for sportsbooks to price. There are so many variables and synergies that can influence results that we simply don’t know. Therefore, initially, it will interesting to see what teams will be favourites on opening week.
XFL – Competition
The XFL consists of eight teams who will compete over a ten-week season. the Postseason consists of one playoff round and the championship game between the East and West.
Example XFL Betting Markets
- Outright
- Moneyline
- Spreads (points spread betting)
- Over/Under Bets
- Prop Bets
- Parlay Bets
- Live Betting on The XFL
Live Betting – XFL Potential
Where the XFL can really stand out is with Live Betting. Their modus operandi is to improve fan engagement. As a result, live betting can be built into the fan experience.
With improved access and interaction, sports bettors may enjoy the live betting experience more. To go one step further, if the XFL embraces live betting and seeds it within its broadcasts then there is huge potential from a betting standpoint.
The Great XFL – Betting Conspiracy (Well It’s More a Trial)
Industry insiders, and we’re talking gambling industry, have long discussed an ulterior motive for the XFL’s TV deals.
With legalised sports betting gaining traction south of the border, and key media players early investors in sports betting platforms it seems logical that the XFL will be used as a petri dish to test further integration of betting into sports broadcasts.
The ultimate objective is to push the most successful components onto live NFL broadcasts.
The XFL will allow networks to trial different betting related presentations without courting as much controversy or risking losing audience share during an NFL game. Therefore, expect XFL broadcasts to highlight betting in a more aggressive manner.
In conclusion, the success of the XFL may extend into the sports betting sector if networks find a way of increasing engagement.
XFL Games on TV
- Fox
- FS1
- ABC
- ESPN
Betting and the XFL
We won’t know how sports bettors will react to the XFL until the league starts. Then we will see how the take up is. Obviously, the total amount staked will be a fraction of the NFL. However, with football fans who have been traditionally starved post-February, and Network TV coverage, the total amount staked on XFL games may come as a surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the XFL?
The XFL is a new professional football league in the United States beginning in January 2020 and consisting of eight teams.
What teams are in the XFL?
The following teams will compete in the 2020 XFL season. Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Los Angeles Wildcats, Seattle Dragons, DC Defenders, New York Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks and Tampa Bay Vipers.
What is the difference between the XFL and NFL?
The XFL and NFL use a different ruleset. The major differences relate to the kick-off and post-touchdown conversions. The XFL has rules that favour the returning team from kick-offs and a scrimmage instead of a field-goal with more points awarded for a successful conversion the further away from the goal line the scoring team elects to lace the ball.
